Sundance Hosting Summer Film Fest in Los Angeles

Institute announces Aug. 8-11 summer program modeled after Sundance Film Fest's NEXT section

The Sundance Institute is hosting a four-day film festival in Los Angeles this summer, with screenings and panels at the Sundance Sunset Cinema and other venues around the city, the organization announced Monday.

Called NEXT WEEKEND, the Aug. 8-11 fest is modeled after the Sundance Film Festival’s edgy NEXT section, which features stylistically risky films.

Festgoers will choose from eight yet-to-be-released feature films, panel discussions, a shorts program and films that were featured in the Festival’s NEXT section this January in Park City, Utah. Event kicks off with an outdoor screening Aug. 8 at Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Titles in the fest program has not yet been released, however.

“The best part of independent filmmaking is the freedom to tell your stories your own way, to take risks and not be beholden to convention of any kind,” said Robert Redford, President & Founder of Sundance Institute. “At the core of NEXT WEEKEND are artists that are taking risks and pushing boundaries. As such, it’s fitting that Sundance Cinemas will be the home for this festival and these films.”

Pics in the NEXT section at this year’s Sundance Film Fest included “Blue Caprice,” “Escape from Tomorrow,” “Newlyweeds” and “A Teacher.”